Paroxetine is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may be used to treat panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also be used to treat generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder. Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Paroxetine as directed by your doctor.

Take Paroxetine by mouth with or without food.

Swallow Paroxetine whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.

Taking Paroxetine at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.

Continue to take Paroxetine even if you feel well. Do not miss any dose.

Do not suddenly stop taking Paroxetine without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Paroxetine and whenever a change in dose is made.

If you miss a dose of Paroxetine, take it as soon as possible. If it almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Paroxetine.

STORAGE

Store Paroxetine at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Paroxetine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do NOT use Paroxetine if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Paroxetine

you are taking or have taken linezolid, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days

Aripiprazole, atomoxetine, clozapine, fluoxetine, pimozide, procyclidine, risperidone, theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Paroxetine

Digoxin or tamoxifen because their effectiveness may be decreased by Paroxetine.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Paroxetine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Paroxetine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Paroxetine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Paroxetine.

Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Paroxetine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or use Paroxetine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.

Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Paroxetine may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Closely watch all patients who take Paroxetine. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.

If your doctor tells you to stop taking Paroxetine, you will need to wait for several weeks before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Paroxetine.

Paroxetine may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.

Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Paroxetine. Your risk may be greater if you take Paroxetine with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Paroxetine. Your risk may be greater if Paroxetine is used with certain other medicines called antipsychotics (eg, aripiprazole, risperidone). Symptoms may be similar to serotonin syndrome and may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, and mental changes. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

Use Paroxetine with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.

Caution is advised when using Paroxetine in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts and actions.

Paroxetine may cause weight changes. Children and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while they take Paroxetine.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Paroxetine may cause harm to the fetus. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Paroxetine while you are pregnant. Paroxetine is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Paroxetine, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: